9to5Chick, a leading career development platform empowering Africa’s most ambitious women, proudly presents the unveiling of the Top 100 Career Women in Africa for 2024. This initiative celebrates the outstanding achievements and profound impacts of mid and senior-level female professionals across the African continent. Aligned with the theme of the 2024 International Women’s Day, “Inspiring Inclusion,” this list underscores 9to5Chick’s dedication to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in corporate environments.
These remarkable women were chosen based on criteria including leadership excellence, personal accomplishments, dedication to knowledge sharing, and commitment to fostering inclusion. Representing various industries and regions across Africa, the list includes women from West Africa (60), East Africa (18), Southern Africa (15), Central Africa (1), and North Africa (6).
The selection process, meticulously conducted by an independent advisory panel comprising esteemed professionals such as Dr. Naike Moshi, Global Talent Acquisition Director at CVPEOPLE Tanzania and Founder of WIMA (Women in Management Africa); Dr. Tewa Onasanya, Founder/CEO of Exquisite Magazine Services Ltd; Colleen Larsen, Chief Executive of Business Engage; Olufunke Amobi, Deputy Head of Operations for StanbicIBTC Bank; Yemi Faseun, Chief Talent Officer at YF Talent Partners; and Osayi Alile, Chief Executive Officer at Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, culminated in the recognition of 100 female professionals who epitomize excellence and professionalism in Africa’s corporate landscape.
“This initiative underscores 9to5Chick’s unwavering dedication to empowering ambitious women across the continent and celebrating their outstanding achievements,” said Dr. Glory Edozien, Founder of 9to5Chick. “These women represent the epitome of excellence and professionalism, embodying the spirit of diversity and inclusion that is crucial for Africa’s corporate advancement. With heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed advisory panel, sponsor, and partners, we are excited to showcase and amplify the impact of these remarkable trailblazers shaping the future of Africa’s corporate world.”
This recognition was made even more impactful through the support of United Capital Asset Management, an institution dedicated to women’s financial empowerment, as evidenced by their mutual fund, Wealth for Women fund, and the #ThisGirlInvests campaign advocating for women’s financial independence and security.
To amplify the impact of these outstanding women, 9to5Chick partnered with esteemed media platforms including BellaNaija, Exquisite Magazine, Guardian Nigeria, Olori SuperGal, and TVC Communications. Meet the 2024 Top 100 Career Women in Africa, trailblazers shaping the future of the continent’s corporate world.
1. Dr Oulie Keita: Executive Director/ Greenpeace Africa (Mali)
Dr Oulie Keita is an accomplished international development expert with 18 years of experience in policy, lobbying, advocacy, and campaigning. Her work has centered on issues related to the protection of the environment, sustainable development, gender integration, youth engagement, and peace and security. She holds a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University in Denver, USA, and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Maryland, USA.
Dr Keita’s expertise is built on years of experience working with a variety of organizations, including United Nations (UN) agencies, continental institutions such as the African Union (AU), and international and regional organisations. She has also collaborated extensively with civil society organizations (CSOs) and community-based organizations across Africa. Dr Keita has a track record of engaging at high-level panels, such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the African Union Commission (AUC), the World Bank Group (WBG), and the World Economic Forum. She has also had the opportunity to have one-on-one meetings with Heads of State and Ministers.
Dr Keita has recently joined Greenpeace, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and insights gained from nearly two decades of experience.
2. Njoki Wamai: Assistant Professor of Politics and International Studies / United States International University, Africa (Kenya)
Njoki is an Assistant Professor in the International Relations Department at Kenya’s oldest private university, United States International University-Africa. She was previously a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Politics and International Studies department (POLIS).
Her research focus is on the tensions between international and local practices of transitional justice in Kenya. At Cambridge, Njoki was the founding president of the Cambridge Eastern African Society (CamEAS) and the Black Cantabs project which aims to curate the achievements of black Cambridge alumni at www.blackcantabs.com. She is also a co-founder of the African Society of Cambridge University (ASCU).She is an alumnus of the Africa Leadership Centre (ALC) at King’s College London.
Njoki worked in the non-profit sector in Kenya at Kenya Human Rights Commission and at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. Her research interests include critical transitional justice, critical theory, politics of Africa, African feminisms and development of political thought from Africa.
3. Nneka Okekearu: Director, Enterprise Development Center, Pan Atlantic University (Nigeria)
Nneka Okekearu is a highly effective professional with expertise in strategy, leadership, trade services, business incubation, customer service, and program management. With over 24 years of experience in entrepreneurship development, banking, oil & gas, and telecommunications, she has made significant contributions to organisational revenue and logistics.
As a dedicated gender specialist, Nneka has mentored over 500 women entrepreneurs, helping them increase revenues, build confidence, and expand product lines. Her passion for empowering women and driving positive change underscores her commitment to excellence and impact in the business world.
4. Morayo Oyin-Adejobi: IT Head, STEM Teacher, Community Junior Grammar School Ipaja Lagos (Nigeria)
Morayo Oyin-Adejobi is an Information Technology Teacher at Community Junior Grammar School, Ipaja, Lagos. She is the founder of SDG Ambassadors and serves as the coordinator of the Environmental Bees Club at Abesan Comprehensive Junior College, Abesan. Additionally, she founded CJGS Champions at her school.
Morayo is dedicated to enhancing education and student welfare. Through her leadership, her school has gained international recognition, achieving a remarkable 90% pass rate in external examinations. She initiated the Feed a Child program in partnership with the school management to ensure indigent students receive daily meals, reducing absenteeism and curbing social vices arising from hunger.
As a passionate educator, Morayo prioritizes personalized learning techniques to address individual student needs. She has facilitated numerous campaigns against Climate Action through her SDG club, earning her the title of Climate Action Educator for three consecutive years. Morayo has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Africa Agenda 2063 Goodwill Digital Ambassador and the International Inspiration Women Award in 2023, among many others. Her dedication to education and community development has earned her accolades both locally and internationally, making her a true leader in her field.
5. Simangele Mkhize: Academic Development Officer, University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)
Simangele Mkhize is an Academic Development Officer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where she shapes educational experiences and supports student academic and pastoral needs. With a PhD in Leadership Studies completed in 2023, she brings a unique perspective to education, fostering resilience and diversity.
Simangele actively participates in global conferences, advocating for transformative education. Her commitment to community engagement extends to volunteer work, promoting literacy and supporting UNICEF campaigns. She is a beacon of hope and empowerment, dedicated to making a tangible impact in the lives of individuals, particularly women, across Africa and beyond.
She was selected as one of the Top 50 most memorable women awards for the year 2023. This award was for The Feature magazine recognising women who are making an impact in different industries, and Simangele won under the category of Education.
6. Prof. Dephney Mathebula: Associate Professor, University of South Africa (South Africa)
Prof. Dephney Mathebula is a trailblazer in the field of mathematics, defying odds and inspiring countless others with her remarkable journey. She made history in 2018 as the first South African to earn a PhD in Mathematics. Despite failing Mathematics and repeating Grade 12, she persevered.
Currently an Associate Professor at the University of South Africa, her research focuses on Mathematical Modelling of infectious diseases, addressing critical concerns in Africa and globally. Her journey is a testament to resilience and determination, inspiring others to overcome obstacles and pursue their goals relentlessly.
7. Dr Keaobaka Seshoka: Director: Language Directorate, North West University (South Africa)
Dr. Keaobaka Seshoka is the Director of the Language Directorate at North-West University, where she advocates for the active role of African languages in knowledge and information transfer. With a fervent belief in the power of translation and interpreting, she champions the integration of indigenous languages into educational and informational contexts.
An African Languages activist at heart, Dr. Seshoka is driven by a passion for Africanization and solutions tailored to the African context. Her inspirational leadership style motivates others to join her in her mission to empower African languages and promote cultural diversity.
Dr. Seshoka’s impact is felt particularly in her work with rural learners, where she has played a significant role in their development and access to education. Her commitment to bridging linguistic and educational gaps in underserved communities underscores her dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
8. Mamiki Matlawa: Group Business Development Executive, ACTOM Pty Ltd (South Africa)
Mamiki Matlawa is experienced in Strategy Development and Management, Corporate Governance, P&L Management, Business Growth and Development, Risk Management, Project Development and Management, People Management, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Contract Management (NEC), Startups and Turnaround, Group Marketing and Brand Management.
Mamiki Matlawa has in a very short space of time bridged the gap that existed between ACTOM Pty Ltd and their key stakeholders especially government departments such as the Dept of Trade, Industry & Competition; Dept of Public & Enterprises & Dept of Minerals & Energy. She continuously uses her role in advocating for diversity and inclusion of women in key decision-making roles in our Industry. She uses her voice to advocate for what’s just for our country’s re-industrialisation and job creation initiatives, through the support of creating sustainability by supporting local manufacturing within the Electricity Supply Industry.
9. Mashudu Ndou: VP Corporate and Community Affairs, Sasol (South Africa)
Mashudu Ndou currently serves as the Vice President for Sasol Corporate Affairs, where she oversees Corporate Social Responsibility, Regulatory Affairs (Mining Charter and Gas and Petroleum pipeline compliance), Stakeholder Management (Government, Community, and Industries), Management of Community Facilities, and Communications, Events, and Branding.
With over 15 years of experience in her career, Mashudu has been recognized with awards such as Finalist of SA Rising Star award, Company Outstanding Performer, and Best Innovator of the Year. She is also the founder of various initiatives focusing on youth and women development and holds positions on different boards, including those in the Institution of higher learning.
Mashudu is known for her willingness to take risks and challenge the status quo. She is goal-oriented, pushing beyond boundaries to achieve success. Her strongest qualities lie in her ability to work with people from all walks of life and influence positive change. Her vast experience includes transformation, community development, stakeholder relationships, project management, and leadership.
10 Charity Wanjiku: Senior Project Manager, EA, Africa Data Centres (Kenya)
Charity Wanjiku is an acclaimed Project Manager and Architect with over 15 years of experience leading multicultural teams and projects in mission-critical infrastructure, sustainable building, construction, urban development, and energy industries in Kenya, totalling over USD 100 million in value. Recognized by Forbes as one of the “Top 50 Women in Tech in the World” in 2018 and honoured as an “African female tech entrepreneur” by the World Economic Forum in 2017, Charity’s achievements also include being nominated for “Business Woman of the Year” at the All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) and being named one of the 40 most influential women in Kenya in the 2016 Business Daily “Top40Under40.”
11. Olola Vieyra: Country Representative at Global Green Growth Institute (Côte d’Ivoire)
Olola Vieyra is a seasoned professional renowned for her expertise in policy analysis, climate change, and entrepreneurship. Currently serving as the Country Representative of GGGI Côte d’Ivoire, she spearheads the development of innovative green growth policies and drives initiatives towards sustainable development.
With a background as a contractual civil servant for the Government of Benin, Olola has played a pivotal role in transforming various programs and has held positions on multiple national agency boards. She is a founding member of both the PMI Benin Chapter and the Benin Business Angels network, demonstrating her commitment to empowering professionals and nurturing young entrepreneurs.
Prior to her current role, Olola managed an international partnership focused on implementing mini-grid solutions in several villages of Benin, with the ambitious goal of achieving 80,000 energy access connections by 2026. Previously, as a Technical Advisor to the Office of the President of Benin, Patrice Talon, she played a key role in developing, implementing, and monitoring the Government Action Plan 2016-2021, which amounted to $16 billion USD. Her advisory role extended to serving on the boards of various National Agencies, contributing significantly to the transformation of the country’s programs.
Throughout her career, Olola has undertaken missions addressing water scarcity, environmental issues, and energy access in collaboration with esteemed organizations such as UNEP, UNDP, OECD, and ECOWAS. Additionally, she actively engages with civil society, volunteering on boards of associations to promote entrepreneurship, investment, and project management best practices.
With a wealth of experience spanning 16 years, Olola holds a BBA degree in Information Systems from HEC Montreal, as well as a Dual-Degree in Public Administration from Sciences Po and Public Policy from Lee Kwan Yew SPP. She is a certified Project Management Professional from the PMI and is proficient in French, English, and possesses intermediate proficiency in German.
12. Coumba Dieng Sow: Country Director, FAO Rwanda and Djibouti (Rwanda)
Coumba Dieng Sow is the Representative and Country Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for Rwanda and Djibouti.
Coumba D. Sow is a strong advocate for African youth and women empowerment in the agriculture sector, raising awareness of the existing realities of you and women farmers in Africa and supporting the removal of barriers for them to access land, inputs, finances, training, technologies, and innovations which would help reducing hunger and increasing revenues and economic growth.
She joined FAO in 2006 as an Agricultural Policy Officer working in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. She worked, amongst others, in the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) of the NEPAD. In 2013, she was appointed to the Office of the Director-General (ODG), Responsible for Africa in charge of the liaison with the Social and Economic Department as well as Technical Cooperation.
From 2017 to June 2022, she was FAO Coordinator of the Emergencies and Resilience for West Africa and Sahel, supporting the implementation of the food security and resilience programmes in 18 countries of the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with a strong focus on the Liptako Gourma (Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger) and North East Nigeria. During that period, she launched the FAO programme 1 million cisterns for the Sahel, providing women access to fresh water for household consumption and surplus for kitchen gardening and horticulture production.
Ms. Coumba Dieng Sow, a national of Senegal, studied Political Sciences in Management of Public Policies at Sciences Po Paris, Agroindustries in Montpellier, and is post-graduated in Agricultural Economics from the University of London.
13. Sarah Shabayek: Director – Financial Planning & Reporting / Orange Egypt
Sarah Shabayek is an investment professional and finance executive with a track record as a top-rated investor relations professional and sell-side analyst. She is currently the Principal at Disruptech Ventures, a leading Fintech Investment Fund in Egypt, in addition to Telecom Egypt, the incumbent and largest telecom operator in the country. She is also a board member of Xceed, the largest contact center & BPO provider in Egypt.
Shabayek served in various finance and executive roles, most recently as Chief Financial Officer of Brimore, a social commerce startup, where her main role was to drive operational financial efficiencies and liaise with all stakeholders to elongate the company’s runway.
Prior to that, Shabayek was Senior Director of Investments, Finance Decision Support and Investor Relations at Telecom Egypt, where she utilised her 10+ years’ experience in sell-side research in several local and regional investment banks to formulate the company’s investment strategy, business plan and enhance reporting and investor relations efforts. She also led major transactions for the company including the renegotiation of the shareholders’ agreement with Vodafone Group and financing arrangements worth more than USD2.5bn.
Her journey culminated in being recognized as the best investor relations professional in Egypt by the Middle East Investor Relations Association and Institutional Investor in October 2022.
Shabayek was also recognized as one of the top 50 most influential women in the Egyptian economy in 2017.
Shabayek started her career as an analyst with HC Securities & Investments in Cairo, moving on to Al Futtaim HC in the UAE. In 2012, she joined CI Capital, the second-largest investment bank in Egypt, and grew to become the Head of Telecom Research at the investment bank. She then joined Arqaam Capital, a regional investment bank headquartered in Dubai, where Shabayek served as the Head of Telecoms, Media and Technology Research covering telecom operators in 35 countries across the Middle East & Africa.
She was ranked as the top telecom analyst in MENA for three consecutive years (2015-2017) by Extel.
Shabayek holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the American University in Cairo and is a graduate of the German School in Alexandria.
14. Yasmine Negm: Group Chief Business Officer, Beltone Financial (Egypt)
An experienced, multi-skilled and successful senior professional with 18+ years of international experience with proven strategic and ecosystem management in financial services, pharmaceuticals, private equity, building materials & telecommunications. Extensive experience in ESG & sustainability reporting, marketing communications, institutional investor relations, operational excellence & partnerships.
Certified Corporate Director from the International Finance Corporation – Egyptian Institute of Directors program, and a Certified Investor Relations Professional from the United Kingdom Investor Relations Society. Awarded Egypt’s first Financial Regulatory Authority Women Leadership Award in 2020 & the International Women Fellowship Program in partnership with INSEAD & Harvard Business School scholarship in 2021.
15. Aalaa Gamal: Regional Manager. Flutterwave (Egypt)
Aalaa is a Baccalaureate of the Faculty of Computer Information Sciences, Ainshams University, Egypt, with 12 years of experience in Business Development and Account Management. Aalaa has extensive experience across banking, career tech, and now Fintech.
She has supported and led the launch of projects and products in various international markets in the MENA Region. She’s worked in Financial technology for the past seven years, specializing in international payment regulations, compliance, and infrastructure. She joined Flutterwave in 2021 as Country Manager in Egypt and has since risen to Regional Manager in North Africa.
16 Pearl Nkrumah: Executive Director, Retail and Digital, Access Bank Ghana
Pearl Nkrumah is a trailblazing leader, serving as the first female Executive Director to spearhead Access Bank’s Retail and Digital Operations. With a distinguished tenure as the Head of Main Market and Ecosystems at Stanbic Bank, Ghana, Pearl orchestrated remarkable growth and pioneered initiatives for inclusive and mass-market business strategies.
Notably, Pearl established the innovative ‘Youth Banking Desk’ at Stanbic Bank Ghana, dedicated to enhancing youth financial inclusion—a testament to her commitment to fostering economic empowerment among younger demographics. Her leadership extends beyond traditional banking realms, as she actively champions initiatives promoting gender equity, education, entrepreneurship, and corporate social responsibility. Pearl’s vision and dedication continue to drive impactful change in the financial and social landscapes.
17 Folasade Femi Lawal: Country Manager, Mastercard (Nigeria)
With over 25 years of multifaceted experience spanning financial services, management consulting, telecommunications, and business advisory services, Folasade brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her current role as the Country Manager of Mastercard.
As Country Manager, she is responsible for further driving the company’s strategic vision, innovation and growth agenda, as well as strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders, and advancing the company’s mission of building a more connected and inclusive digital economy in West Africa.
Folasade brings a wealth of experience as a trusted senior executive, having displayed her ability to consistently achieve business growth objectives in start-up, turnaround, and rapidly changing environments. She has successfully led initiatives in Mobile Financial Services and Digital Banking Strategy at First Bank, Nigeria, over the past decade, and significantly grew the card subscriber base and market share as the Head of Cards & Messaging Business. Her collaborative efforts with the Firstmonie Team earned them the “Best Mobile Money Operator” award by Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFINA) in 2014.
Prior to her tenure at First Bank, Folasade served as the Head of the Loan Monitoring Unit at the United Bank of Africa, overseeing critical aspects of credit risk management. With a robust background in digital payments, she has played instrumental roles in driving innovation and enhancing customer experiences across the banking sector. Before her banking roles, she also excelled as a consultant at PwC and played a pivotal role at Airtel, managing the Regional Balanced Scorecard for eight regions.
Folasade is renowned for her commitment to fostering inclusive growth and empowerment, particularly for women and children, as evident through her extensive philanthropic endeavors and mentorship roles with organizations like Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WimBiz), the United States, White House Initiative – Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) and FirstBank Women Network.
18 Prudence Muchinouta: CFO, Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO) Zambia
With over eight years of experience as the CFO at COMACO, Prudence Muchinouta has been instrumental in establishing and implementing financial policies, procedures, and programs that ensure the company’s robust financial accounting structure and social impact. Additionally, Prudence has served as a general manager for eight months, leading the manufacturing and retail team along with the extension team catering to smallholder farmers and communities.
As a dedicated advocate for climate change and women’s empowerment, Prudence actively engages with female entrepreneurs and SMEs, offering assistance in financial systems, risk mitigation, and sustainable models. Her contributions to environmental, social, and governance issues have earned her recognition as the ACCA Africa 2022 CFO-ESG Award Winner and the Female Accountant of the Year 2022.
Prudence holds an MSc in Professional Accountancy from the University of London and is a Chartered Accountant with ACCA, ZICA, and CIMA certifications. Her expertise extends to systems implementation, strategy formulation, customer relations, and public relations. Committed to making a positive difference in the world, Prudence is dedicated to leveraging her skills and expertise for impactful change.
19 Tadala (Peggy) Chinkwezule: Legal Services Manager and Company Secretary, Export Development Fund Mw (Malawi)
Tadala served as the President of Women Lawyers Association and Vice President of Malawi Law Society. During her tenure as president of Women Lawyers Association, the organization was key in the Malawi Presidential elections case where they were amicus curiae. The organization further successfully represented vulnerable 18 women and girls in a case dubbed the “Msundwe Case” on a pro bono basis. The Government of Malawi was ordered to compensate the women of Msundwe who had been sexually harassed by police men during demonstrations in Msundwe village.
Tadala serves as a council member of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association and is the first Malawian to ever hold that position.
She has a column in the Sunday Times newspaper called “the Legal Hub” where she writes on various legal topics with an aim of sensitizing people on various legal issues. This has helped a lot of lay Malawians understand laws governing different things.
She was recognized as the Women Lawyers Association Member of the Year in 2020 and Courtroom Mail 100 Women Lawyers of 2021.
She is the Founder of Estac Events, a business that has promoted over 1000 small and medium enterprises in Malawi through its market linkage platform, the Tipeze Flea Market. She is passionate about mentoring and coaching the youth to aim higher in attaining their goals.
Tadala is passionate about working with, mentoring and developing the youth. Currently, she heads the division of Junior Lawyers in the Malawi Law Society.
20 Debbie Larry-Izamoje: Chief Operating Officer, Brila Media Limited (Nigeria)
Debbie Larry-Izamoje is the Chief Operating Officer of Brila Media Group, a Sports Media powerhouse in Africa. A Harvard-certified leader, she spearheaded the rebranding of Nigeria’s first sports radio station, Brila FM, to Brila Media, expanding its reach across critical cities like Lagos, Abuja, Onitsha, and Port Harcourt. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Debbie leads a dynamic team of over 100 sports media professionals, driving transformation through storytelling and digital strategies.
Her influence extends beyond Brila, where she contributes to various management committees of the Nigeria Women’s Football League, playing pivotal roles in rebranding initiatives and tournaments like the Aisha Buhari Invitational. Recognized as a rising star in sports by WSCOIS and listed among Nigeria’s top 100 Powerful Women by the Power Women’s Network, Debbie holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Management from the University of Sheffield and a Master of Science in Management from University College London.
21 Sola Adeola Amudipe: Director of Operations, Caleb Group of Schools (Nigeria)
Sola Adeola Amudipe is a seasoned educator and visionary school leader with 16 years of teaching experience. She ensures high-quality education at Caleb Group of Schools, fostering excellence and innovation. Sola founded The Change Makers platform, connecting over 230 educators for collaboration and learning.
As an EdTech Guru and Microsoft-certified educator, Sola utilizes technology to enhance learning outcomes and advocates for digital citizenship. She’s an author and Product Manager Fellow at Utiva, developing digital solutions for real-world problems. Sola’s mission is to empower students and teachers for success in the future of work.
22 Veronica Dan-Ikpoyi: News Anchor, TVC News Communications (Nigeria)
Veronica Dan-Ikpoyi, a CNN African Journalist of the Year finalist in 2016, is an esteemed media professional and public relations associate. Recognized for her exceptional storytelling and journalistic integrity, she received accolades including “Television Newscaster of the Year” at the Nigeria Media Merit Awards in 2023. Veronica’s commitment to mentoring aspiring journalists reflects her dedication to excellence and amplifying diverse voices, making her a respected figure in the industry.
23 Anne Agi: Lecturer, University of Calabar (Nigeria)
Anne Agi is a Space enthusiast who is very passionate about Outer space affairs and space Law and Policy and strongly advocates for the inclusion of Space Law in the University curriculum. She also advocates for the promotion of space science education in Africa from the kindergarten age as this will be a key factor in grooming the next generation of space actors in the Continent.
She is also particular about the inclusion of women and youths in the African Space industry.
Anne is a Trustee/Co-founder of LEARNSPACE FOUNDATION, an NGO for promoting space education and awareness in Nigeria and Africa generally. She is also a trustee of Aliyu Chinedu Edith Justice Assist Foundation (ACE), an NGO providing legal representation to the indigent.
Anne is a blogger on space issues and presents lectures on space Law. She has represented Nigeria at Conferences and was a delegate at the 2019 International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Washington D.C., USA.
Anne Agi was the team Coach for the 2019 African Team of the Manfred Lachs International Space Law Competition and together with her team represented Africa at the Competition where the team emerged runner up and clinched the award of BEST ORALISTS at the Regional and World Finals of the Competition which held at the NASA Headquarters in Washington D.C., USA in October, 2019.
In December, 2019, Ms Anne Agi attended the 8th African Leadership Conference on Space Science and Technology for Sustainable Development which held at the United Nations Regional Office, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 02-04 December 2019, on the theme “Prospects and Challenges for African Space Development”.
At the Conference, she presented a paper titled: ‘Establishing agendas that are relevant to and impact Africa’s development and growth: Emphasis on Women and Youth’.
Anne Agi holds a Certificate in Space Law and Policy from the International Academy of Space Law (IASL), Russia and is a member of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), African space community, a Member of the Women in Aerospace Community, a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, a member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and a member of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA).
As a member of FIDA, she has engaged in advocacy for women and children’s rights and has represented female victims of gender based violence on several occasions.
She is also currently partnering with the Federal Psychiatric Hospital to ensure that mentally balanced women are taken off the streets and institutionalized for treatment, to forestall future sexual abuse on them.
24 Nerida Nthamburi: Head of Africa Engagement, Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage (Kenya)
Nerida Nthamburi is an accomplished International Development and Gender Expert with a steadfast commitment to advancing equality, justice, and empowerment. With a robust academic foundation, including a Master of Laws degree from the University of Cape Town, and over 19 years of experience in the international development sector, Nerida has consistently championed transformative approaches in gender equality, international law, and transitional justice.
She is currently the Head of Africa Engagement at Girls Not Brides, the Global Partnership to End Child Marriage, where she leads the strategic engagement and advocacy with African governments, regional bodies, and civil society organisations.
Nerida is driven by a passion to make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by injustice and inequality.
25 Elisangela Rita: Program Officer Fiscal Policies, Southern African Development Community (Angola)
Elisangela Rita holds the distinction of being the first person from Angola and the first Portuguese-speaking member of the UN Committee of Tax Experts, the highest technical body for global tax matters. She has a rich background in International Tax, having led national negotiations and now serving as the Tax Expert for the Southern African Development Community.
Beyond her tax expertise, Elisangela is also a versatile artist, excelling as a writer, spoken word poet, and voice artist. Her voice has graced films for National Geographic, and she has appeared in animated films and documentaries from Angola and internationally. Additionally, Elisangela is a cultural producer, spearheading Casa Rede, a cultural and creative hub in Luanda. She has pioneered initiatives such as Angola’s first spoken word championship and the only women’s poetry slam competition.
Elisangela serves as the Ambassador for Angola at the Africa Cup of Slam Poetry and represents her country at festivals, museums, and exhibitions. Notably, she runs a mentoring program for aspiring women writers in Angola, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing talent and promoting cultural exchange.
26 Ozofu Ogiemudia: Partner, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie (Nigeria)
Ozofu Ogiemudia is a partner in Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie’s corporate advisory, private equity and mergers & acquisitions teams.
She is recognised as an extremely resourceful and versatile adviser and has advised on various areas of the law including private equity, mergers and acquisitions, corporate and commercial law, corporate restructuring and regulatory compliance, labour and employment and company secretarial practice. She co-heads the firm’s pro bono practice, which, along with law firms from several other jurisdictions, was awarded the 2018 TrustLaw Collaboration Award by the Thomson Reuters Foundation for their work on the 28 Too Many report on female genital mutilation, as well as the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation Award for Africa in 2020.
Ozofu was the chairperson of the Technical Advisory Committee of the 8th Nigerian Senate on drafting the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020. She was until recently the Thematic Lead of the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER) Regulatory working group. She is currently the Vice Chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association, Section on Business Law.
She has been recognised annually since 2018 by the International Financial Law Review (IFLR) as one of the IFLR1000 Women Leaders. She has been rated as a ‘highly-regarded lawyer’ for her Mergers & Acquisitions, and Private Equity practice by The IFLR1000 annually since 2019 and is recommended as a “National Leader” in Nigeria for her Mergers & Acquisitions and Governance practice by Who’s Who Legal (Nigeria) (2019 and 2021). She has also been recognised as a key lawyer by Legal 500 EMEA.
27 Ejiro Ogunbanjo: Head of HR, Africa Prudential PLC (Nigeria)
Ejiro Ogunbanjo is a seasoned People Partner, Coach, and Scrum Master with over 15 years of experience in Strategy, People, and Resource Management, primarily within the technology industry. She excels in facilitating and training programs across diverse sectors and has held leadership roles in internal HR and Consulting teams. At Africa Prudential Plc, Ejiro has driven significant milestones in workforce growth, HR service ratings, employee engagement, talent retention, and financial performance. She also provides strategic advice to Founders/CEOs on critical business aspects.
Ejiro holds degrees in HR and Managerial Psychology, along with certifications in HR, coaching, and Scrum Master. She was recognized as one of the Top 50 Global Leaders in Agile by Leaders Hum in 2022.
28 Kanmi Jagun: Senior Human Resource Business Partner, Chivita Hollandia (Nigeria)
Kanmi Jagun is a highly accomplished Human Resources expert with over 16 years of experience spanning various sectors including FMCG, Manufacturing, and Services. Throughout her career, she has held diverse roles in HR, ranging from Generalist to Leadership positions.
Specializing in HR value delivery, Kanmi excels in areas such as Performance Management, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Employee Relations, and more. She is recognized for her analytical mindset, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to her work.
Kanmi’s strengths lie in her ability to manage people effectively, communicate tactfully, and make sound business decisions. Her leadership skills and negotiation abilities have consistently led to superior performance in the teams she manages.
Notably, Kanmi has successfully managed a workforce of 715 individuals, including both permanent employees and outsourced personnel. She played a pivotal role in driving organizational performance by providing comprehensive HR services to Commercial and Supply Chain business units. Collaborating closely with Business Unit Heads, she facilitated growth and business performance through strategic implementation.
One of her significant achievements includes spearheading the Sales transformation Agenda for the Commercial Team across Nigeria, showcasing her proactive approach and ability to drive impactful change within the organization.
29 Oluwakemi Shonubi: Director, People Culture Experience & Operations, TVC COMMUNICATIONS (Nigeria)
Kemi Shonubi is a licensed Human Resources (HR) executive with extensive experience in people management, organizational development, and strategic planning. Currently the Director of People Culture Experience and Operations at TVC Communications, she focuses on fostering environments where employees can thrive. Kemi holds memberships in prestigious HR organizations and is an alumna of Cornell University, New York.
She serves as a Board Advisor for Precious Conceptions Nigeria Limited and Tech4Her Africa, while also sharing insights through her HR Storyteller Platform aimed at transforming HR practices and workplace cultures.
30 Omotola Adedapo: Head, Human Resources, Sterling Financial Holding Company Plc. (Nigeria)
Omotola Adedapo is a seasoned Global HR Professional with over 12 years of experience in Leadership and Development, People and Culture Transformation, Talent Management, and HR Analytics across various sectors. Certified by HRCI, USA, and SHRM, USA, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and a Master’s degree in Industrial and Labour Relations.
Passionate about bridging gaps in the HR profession, Omotola founded the Talent Builder Initiative and hrtalenthub.ng, a digital platform for HR professionals and businesses. She conducts workshops, training, and career development sessions, offering one-on-one coaching and HR consulting services for SMEs.
Recognized in 2022 as one of the top 300 HR Leaders globally and among the top 11 HR Influencers in Nigeria by LinkedIn Local Lagos.